Historic Timeline

1937
Father Francis Casey fixing a roof

Missions Founder Father Frank Casey, S.S.E., was a "hands-on minister," here roofing one of the ministry buildings.

Edmundite Southern Missions founded by Fathers Francis Casey and John Paro who came to Selma with only a Pontiac and $50. They arrived on July 6 and quickly responded to the poverty by establishing mercy ministries of feeding, clothing and healing the poor.

1938

Building of St. Elizabeth's Church, African-America Catholic Parish.

1938

All Saints Mission, Anniston, founded.

1940

Sisters of St. Joseph, Rochester, NY, join the Missions.

1941
St. Elizabeth School Early Classroom

St. Elizabeth's School opens, begins with Kindergarten and adds a grade a year through eighth grade.

1943
Group of elderly in front of Holy Infant Inn

Holy Infant Inn opens, nursing home for the aged and chronically ill.

At Father Casey’s invitation, Discalced Carmelite Nuns from Philadelphia arrived October 7 in Mobile to pray for the success of the Southern Missions.

1944
Child getting vaccinated in the hospital.

Good Samaritan Hospital opens, only hospital in Selma that accepts African-American patients.

1947
Young African-American men playing ping pong at the Boys Club.

The Don Bosco Boys Club was founded in Selma by Father Nelson Ziter providing recreational and educational opportunities for African-American young men and women.